Decapping system

ABSTRACT

Decapping system for opening or closing reagent containers or cartridge systems closed by a lid the which is removed and secured by a rotational movement and method thereof are disclosed. The decapping system has a centering unit that the at its lower end provides a snap-in element which engages the lid, and a plurality of simultaneously driven and vertically movable screwing heads which compensates for variable heights and/or sizes of cartridge systems to be processed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/197,422, filed Aug. 25, 2008, which claims priority to Europeanpatent application EP 07115230.0, filed Aug. 29, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related generally to automatic analysisdevices, and in particular to a decapping system for automatic analysisdevices in which a large number of reagents can be simultaneouslyaccommodated and processed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is desirable to permit, as far as possible, fully automatic handlingof samples and reagents in analysis devices, so that no manual handlingsteps are necessary. This allows for simplification and acceleration ofmany analysis procedures and, still further, reduction of mistakes dueto human error during the analysis procedure.

Stringent demands are placed on automatic analysis devices, especiallyin large-scale laboratories in which a high sampling rate must bepermitted. Here, the analysis devices must be able to deliver the largenumber of reaction vessels with different samples and must be able toallocate these to different reagent containers. In this respect,pipetting devices, inter alia, are used to permit analysis of a sample,by addition of the corresponding reagents, and also further samplingprocessing steps. Thus, with fully automatic treatment of reagents andsamples, even labor-intensive analysis procedures can be performedreliably and quickly, without requiring the involvement of specializedpersonnel for specialized analysis procedures. A demand placed on afully or partially automated analysis procedure is, for example, thehandling of sample quantities of different sizes, which require acorresponding quantity of reagents. A fully automatic analysis systemhas to satisfy a wide variety of requirements. There are analysissystems with a high throughput and others with a low throughput, asoutlined in brief below.

In analysis systems for low throughput of reagents, the cycle time forliquid removal is approximately 4 to 10 seconds, with the pipettingneedle piercing the vessel lid upon each removal. The reagent cartridgehas a relatively long dwell time on the device, because of the lowthroughput. The dwell time is extended still further if the reagentcartridge contains seldom used reagents which are not often called uponand the reagent cartridge contains seldom used reagents which are notoften called upon and which accordingly can remain for up to 4 weeks inthe analysis system with low throughputs. In these reagent cartridges,there is a need for a high level of protection against evaporation.

In analysis systems distinguished by a high throughput of reagents,there is generally a short cycle time of between 1 and 4 seconds for thepipetting and the positioning of reagent rotor and pipetting needle.Because of the short cycle time, piercing of the funnels with thepipetting needle is not possible. Because of the high throughput of thereagents, the dwell time of the respective reagent cartridges on suchanalysis systems is only one to two days, for which reason anevaporation from an open flask can be tolerated here.

The handling of very small volumes is described for example in EP 0 504967. The document discloses reagent containers which permit the removalof small volumes, and in which an evaporation or ageing of the remainingfluid in the container during further processing steps is avoided.

For this purpose, the reagent container has a suitably designed lidwhich, on the one hand, is suitable for removal of liquid, and, on theother hand, suppresses evaporation of the contents of the container. Thelid has, in the middle of its base, a circular opening which is directedinto the lid interior and opens out in a conical tip. For removing asample, the tip of the cone is first pierced, so that a pipetting needlewhich is provided for removing very small sample quantities, can then beintroduced into the vessel.

When the reagent has been removed from the vessel, a small openingremains exclusively at the tip of the cylinder. After removal of thesample, the small opening at the cylinder tip of the tip also ensuresthat almost no liquid evaporates from the reagent container and that thecontent of the vessel does not undergo changes due to the contact with,for example, atmospheric humidity or oxygen in the environment. Furtherdetails of this vessel closure can be taken from the prior art.

However, if a higher throughput and shorter processing time isnecessary, the pipetting device, if it is to permit efficient handlingof samples, may be equipped with correspondingly large pipetting tips totake up liquid. To ensure that in this case, too, the larger pipettingtips can still be inserted into the interior of the reagent vessel, alarger opening in the lid will be necessary.

As is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,255,101 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,991,896,openings in a closure of a reagent vessel can be performed by means of aball being pressed through the shaft of the reagent vessel lid with theaid of a pin. The ball is pushed into the interior of the reagentcontainer, so that reagent liquid can then be removed through the shaft.Other possibilities, for example piercing a closure cap by means of acannula as in document WO 83/01912, are conceivable as well. Thediameter of the opening can be chosen according to the size of the shaftor the cannula.

In the prior art, this type of sample handling is used for example inanalysis systems in the field of clinical-chemical analysis ofbiological samples. To remove a desired quantity of liquid reagent, thereagent is removed from the open reagent container and is transferred bymeans of an automatic pipetting device into a reaction cuvette. For eachpipetting procedure, an electromechanically driven arm of the pipettingdevice is guided to an open reagent container, so that handling ofsamples can take place in the desired manner. The content of a standardreagent container in this case is sufficient for a large number ofpipetting procedures. In this connection, it has been found that fluidevaporates during the analysis method before it can be completely usedup, on the one hand through the removal of the reagent closure, and onthe other hand through the creation of a large opening in a closure cap.Especially in rooms with low atmospheric humidity, considerable amountsof the reagent solution are often lost through evaporation. Oneconsequence thereof is that the evaporation causes an increase in theconcentration of the reagent in the fluid. By contrast, the volume ofthe reagent solution increases when using open reagent containers inrooms with relatively high atmospheric humidity, or through condensationwater forming when cooled reagents are used, so that the reagentconcentration decreases over the course of time. Moreover, when openreagent containers are used, there is an exchange of gas with thesurrounding air, which among other things causes ageing of a reagent.Such effects on the reagent, in particular in the reagent concentration,result in a deterioration in the analysis precision. It has additionallybeen found that a removal of the reagent closure often has to be donemanually. Under these circumstances, the laboratory personnel must takenew reagent containers from their packaging and first of all remove theclosure in order then to place the open reagent container in theanalysis system in place of an empty reagent container. Since it oftenhappens that many different reagents are needed at different times inone and the same analysis system, a manual handling by laboratorypersonnel requires considerable labor and time. When reclosing thecontainers, it must be additionally be ensured that the closures are notmixed up. In procedures carried out manually, the possible confusion ofthe closures represents a source of uncertainty.

In the prior art, therefore, methods are described which permitautomatic removal of a reagent container closure. Document EP 0 930 504discloses a lid-gripping device which is intended for automatic handlingof a lid on sample vessels. The lid of the sample vessels in this casehas a spike around which the lid-gripping device can grip. By means of achuck, the lid is held so securely that, when the lid-gripping device islifted, the lid is completely detached from the vessel, while aholding-down sleeve holds the vessel down to prevent lifting of thevessel.

The document U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,489 likewise discloses an automaticsystem for opening reagent vessels. According to this solution, a pin ofa gripping device is inserted into a groove provided for this purpose inthe lid. At one end, the pin has a bead which allows the pin to beclamped in the groove of the lid. The lid can then be removed from thereagent vessel by lifting the pin.

Moreover, U.S. Pat. No. 5,064,059 is related to a device which allows alid to be removed from the reagent vessel. However, the prior artdescribed herein discloses only an automatic opening of reagent vesselsclosed by a stopper. Usually, stoppers are only used to close test tubesin which, for example, blood or another liquid from the human or animalbody is received, but not reagent vessels. A disadvantage of the priorart is in this case that the mechanisms described do not permit openingof a screw-type closure of a reagent vessel. In practice, however, ithas been found that for reagent vessels which often contain a volatilefluid, a screwable closure is particularly suitable, since such ascrew-type closure guarantees a reliable sealing of the vessel.

In the prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,340 describes the removal of areagent closure which is secured on the vessel by screwing. In thiscase, opener and reagent lid interact in the manner of a bayonetclosure. Through a guide groove formed in the reagent closure, theautomatic opener can insert a pin along the guide groove by rotationinto the lid, until this is mounted against a limit stop of the guidegroove. If the rotational movement is continued in this direction,turning the lid off from the reagent vessel is possible. By rotating theopener in the opposite direction, the connection between lid and openeris released again. A disadvantage of the prior art is the fact that aprecise production of the bayonet closure on the lid is an essentialrequirement for ensuring the functional reliability of the system. Thescrewing operation, after filling of the vessel, must guarantee anarrowly tolerated angle position of the bayonet closure and also have agood sealing effect.

Moreover, the opener must be guided with precision to the respectivereagent vessel to permit engagement of the pin of the opener in thebayonet closure. This requires either a precise placement of the reagentvessels in the analysis system or a detection of position by theanalysis system for the respective reagent vessel. Moreover, complextools are needed for producing the reagent lid, with the result that theproduction costs are increased. Particularly in the case of reagentvessels handled as disposable articles, this is a considerabledisadvantage. Before the opener, after removal of a first lid, can beused again to open reagent vessels, the lid additionally has to beremoved from the opener. In the example described, additional measuresare needed to do this, which measures permit rotation of the lid in theopposite direction, so that the lid can be removed from the opener.

EP 1 452 869 A2 is related to a system for automatic opening of reagentvessels. The reagent cartridge opening module for opening reagentvessels comprises a carrier which, at its lower end, has a catchelement. The catch element locks securely a reagent vessel lid againstrotation. Further, a centering unit is guided essentially inside thecarrier. The centering unit has at its lower end a snap-in element whichcan engage in a snap-fit connection with a reagent vessel lid providedfor this purpose, so that the reagent vessel lid clings to the snap-inelement and at least partially follows the movement of the snap-inelement.

EP 0 383 564 A2, is related to a stopper remover apparatus. A stopperremover is used for automatically removing a stopper in a container. Theremover comprises container gripping means for gripping the container instopper gripping means for gripping the stopper. The stopper grippingmeans is rotated about an axis by a motor while it grips the stopper.The remover features an annular ring having a plurality of spikes,terminating in points extending from its inner surface, the spikes beinggenerally disposed on the ring so as to be non-radially aligned. Theresult is that the spikes positively grip the stopper only when rotatedin the one direction, and slip off the stopper when rotated in anopposite direction.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,830,390 is related to a safety closure for medicinebottles or the like. That safety closure for a container has a threadedneck. The closure consists of a relatively stiff, inner-threaded cap anda relatively resilient outer driver. The inner cap has a circular topand a cylindrical skirt. There are a plurality of ribs on the outer sideof the cap skirt at the periphery of the top. The driver has acylindrical skirt and a top and is telescopically fitted over the cap.There is a series of inwardly and downwardly extending lugs at the innerside of the junction of the top and skirt of the driver. A spacer at thecenter top of the cap holds the driver in normal, vertically spacedposition. The lugs have vertical front edges which extend downwardly adistance sufficient to extend between and engage the ribs for drivingthe cap onto the container neck. The lugs also have vertical back edgeswhich do not extend downwardly such distance when the driver is innormal position. The cap is removed from the container by flexing theperiphery of the driver downwardly to engage the back edges of the lugswith the grips on the cap. In another embodiment, the spacer is annularand holds the rim of the driver up, the lugs and ribs are at innerannular areas, the overcap and driver, respectively, and the centralportion of the top of the overcap is flexed downwardly to engage theback edges of the lugs with the grips for unscrewing the cap.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,934 is related to a packaging system for liquidreagents. According to this packaging system for liquid reagents, two ormore vessels with holding areas are combined by pressing a plug-on plateonto the holding areas of the vessels. For this purpose, the plug-onplate has two or more apertures, the cross-section of which essentiallycorresponds to the cross-section of the holding areas of the vessels.Plug-on plate and/or holding areas of the vessels can have stopelements, which, after the combination, hinder the separation vesselsand plug-on plate.

The prior art solution according to EP 1 452 869 A2 is related todecapping of reagent containers with snap-on ball fixing. According tothis system, a cartridge system includes at least one container having athreadedly fixed lid, to be opened and unthreaded and subsequently to betrashed. The system according to EP 1 452 869 A2 is limited insofar as,according to this solution, only one threaded lid is engaged by thesystem at a time. This limits the performance and does not allow forparallel processing. Further, only one height of a cartridge system andonly one standardized height of containers to be opened is processed.This likewise limits the performance of the system according to EP 1 452869 A2. A centering pin by means of which a lid is being seized afterbeing unscrewed is essentially unprotected and therefore prone todamage. The screwing head requires for normal function exact positioningand does not compensate for more tolerances, such as tolerances whichare inherent to manufacturing of the cartridge systems. Still further,the solution according to EP 1 452 869 A2 does not provide from activegripping positioning and holding of the cartridge during the unscrewing,i.e. the opening process of a single container provided with a threadedlid. Still further, for getting rid of the lid unscrewed and forperforming a vertical movement of the screwing head, an additionalhorizontal movement or a rotational movement of the screwing head abovea trash-opening is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above background, in one embodiment a decapping systemfor opening reagent containers or cartridge systems closed by a lidprovided for this purpose, the lids being removed and secured by arotational movement, is disclosed. The decapping system discloses acentering unit, the centering unit having at its lower end an elementengaging a lid, wherein the decapping system has at least one driven andvertically movable screwing head compensating for variable heightsand/or sizes of cartridge systems to be processed.

In another embodiment, a method for unscrewing lids from a cartridgesystem or from containers stored at randomized positions within thecartridge system is disclosed. The method discloses loading thecartridge system onto a surface arranged below a plurality of screwingheads, and providing the plurality of screwing heads adjacent an uppersurface of the cartridge system. The method further discloses processingthe cartridge system in one operating cycle which unscrews lids duringan unscrewing operation, and moving lids unscrewed from the cartridgesystem or the containers stored within the cartridge system afterprocessing thereof into a lid container, arranged underneath the surfaceon which the cartridge system is loaded.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will be morefully understood from the following description of some embodiments ofthe invention taken together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and notlimitation in the accompanying figures, in which like referencesindicate similar elements, and in which:

FIG. 1.1 is a first perspective view of a first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 1.2 is a second perspective view of the first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a single screwing head;

FIG. 3 is a cross section view taken along section line III-III throughthe screwing head of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a screwing arrangement with a pluralityof screwing heads;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the plurality of screwing headsaccording to

FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a tensioning tool given in greater detail;

FIG. 6.1 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thetensioning tool;

FIG. 7 is bottom view of a tip of the tensioning tool according to FIG.6;

FIGS. 8.1, and 8.2 are a cross section view and a side view,respectively, of threaded lids;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of thescrewing/decapping system according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a cartridge system mountingarea of the second embodiment according to FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the screwing device of the secondembodiment according to FIG. 9; and

FIGS. 12.1 to 12.4 are section and side views showing details ofscrewing heads for use with the embodiments according to the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1.1 and 1.2 show different perspective views of the firstembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1.1 shows a decapping system10 comprising a table, the surface of which is labeled with referencenumeral 12. In vertical direction, a linear guide 14 is mounted on thesurface 12 of the decapping system 10. By means of a linear drive 16,movable vertically along the linear guide 14, a plurality of screwingheads 36 is moved in vertical direction. From the linear drive 16, ascrewing head drive 24 is mounted, driving a screwing head gear 26.

The screwing head gear 26 preferably comprises a worm/gear arrangementwith which the plurality of screwing heads 36 is driven rotationally.With respect to the linear drive 16, the plurality of screwing heads 36is mounted in substantially vertical direction, i.e. parallel to thedirection of vertical movement of the linear drive, i.e. theZ-direction. The vertical movement of the linear drive 16, to which theplurality of screwing heads 36 is attached, is performed by a drive 18mounted below the surface 12 to the linear guide 14. As is shown in FIG.1.1, the surface 12 of the decapping system 10 includes an opening 34.The opening 34 allows access to a lid container 20 mounted underneaththe surface 12. Into the lid container 20, threaded lids 82 unscrewed bythe plurality of screwing heads 36 from a number of reagent containingcontainers, arranged within a cartridge system 28, are being removedautomatically upon unscrewing.

As is only schematically shown in FIG. 1.1, a micro-switch 22 isarranged which limits the vertical movement of the linear drive 16, towhich the plurality of screwing heads 36 is arranged in verticaldirection, i.e. Z-direction.

FIG. 1.2 shows a different perspective of the first embodiment of thescrewing/decapping system according to the present invention, as shownin FIG. 1.1. FIG. 1.2 shows a cartridge system 28 having a height 30being arranged on the surface 12 of the decapping system 10. Althoughpreferably used for unscrewing reagent or liquid containersautomatically, the decapping system 10 optionally may be used forscrewing threaded lids onto the containers to perform a sealingfunction. An upper cartridge surface 32 extends according to the height30 of the cartridge system 28 in vertical direction. As already beingshown in FIG. 1.1, the linear guide 14 having a drive 18 is arranged onthe surface 12 of the decapping system 10.

FIG. 1.2 shows a stripping device 40, such as a stripping fork, arrangedopposite the linear drive 16 which moves the plurality of screwing heads36 in vertical direction, i.e. upwards or downwards. The strippingdevice 40 in the first embodiment of the present invention according toFIG. 1.1 is arranged stationary, the plurality of screwing heads 36being movable relatively to the stripping device 40. By means of thestripping device 40, lids 82 unscrewed from containers contained withinthe cartridge system 28 are attracted by gravity and removed from thetips of the plurality of screwing heads 36 and are trashed through theopening 34 into the lid container 20 arranged underneath the surface 12of the decapping system 10.

The screwing head gear 26 shown in FIG. 1.1 comprises an arrangement ofa worm gear 38 and associated gears 48 to transmit a rotational movementto the plurality of screwing heads 36 assigned to the linear drive 16.Still further, FIG. 1.1 shows the screwing head drive 24 which isassigned to an essentially horizontally extending worm gear 38, meshingwith a correspondingly shaped gear 48 of each of the screwing heads 36of the plurality of screwing heads 36 shown in FIGS. 1.1 and 1.2 of thefirst embodiment of the present invention.

As can be derived from the first embodiment given in FIGS. 1.1 and 1.2,respectively, by means of the screwing heads 36, a randomized number ofcontainers arranged within a cartridge system 28 are processed at atime. The containers are arranged within the cartridge system 28 atrandomized chosen positions. The device according to the presentinvention processes an entire cartridge system 28 which contains anumber of containers in a synchronous manner. The decapping system 10given in its first embodiment in FIGS. 1.1 and 1.2 processes thecartridge system 28 in one single cycle within which all threaded lids82 are removed from the containers being arranged within the cartridgesystem 28. With the system according to the present invention, it is ofno importance whether the cartridge system 28 contains one containerfilled with a reagent only or contains a number of containers. Stillfurther, it is of no further significance, at which positions thecontainers filled with reagents are arranged within the cartridge system28. The system according to the present invention detects automaticallythe respective height 30 of the cartridge system 28 in which the uppercartridge surface 32 extends. Thus, cartridge systems 28 provided withcontainers with liquid of different heights are processed.

FIG. 2 shows a view of a single screwing head. According to FIG. 2, thescrewing head 36 comprises a screw-support 42, which is, for instance,shaped as a jacket. The screwing head 36 comprises at its upper end theassociated gear 48 which engages the worm gear 38 of the screwing headgear 26. Reference numeral 46 depicts a bearing with which the screwinghead 36 is mounted within the linear drive 16, as shown in FIGS. 1.1 and1.2, respectively. On an outer circumference 74 of the screwing head 36,an annular-shaped removing device 66, particularly a ring member, isarranged. Below this removing device 66, a screwing ring 56 is arranged,having along its circumference a number of tooth-shaped protrusions 58for engagement of grooves 86 arranged on the outer circumference of thethreaded lid 82, as best shown in FIG. 8.2. In the center of thescrewing ring 56, a snap-in element or centering cone 78 is shown.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section through the screwing head given in FIG. 2.According to FIG. 3, the screwing head 36 comprises within thesymmetrically jacket-shaped screw-support 42 an axis 44 surrounded bythe bearing 46. Below the axis 44, a tensioning tool 60 is arranged. Thetensioning tool 60 is shaped symmetrically and is given in greaterdetail in FIGS. 6 and 6.1, respectively, which will be described below.On the axis 44, the worm gear 48 is mounted by means of which arotational movement is transmitted to the screwing head 36 given incross section in FIG. 3. Between the axis 44 onto which the worm gear 48is mounted, and an upper surface of the tensioning tool 60, a firsttensioning spring 50 is arranged. The tensioning spring 50 can be shapedalternatively according to the knowledge of the person skilled in theart. The tensioning tool 60 being biased by the first tensioning spring50 is surrounded by a second tensioning spring 52 which in theembodiment according to FIG. 3 of the screwing head 36 has ahelical-shaped design. The first tensioning spring 50 pretensions thecrown-shaped screwing ring 56, which engages upon a downward directedmovement of the screwing head 36 a rim of the lid 82. The protrusions 58provided on the crown-shaped screwing ring 56 engage grooves 86 of thelid 82. The crown-shaped screwing ring 56 is movable with respect to thescrew support labeled with reference numeral 42.

According to the cross section of the screwing head 36 given in greaterdetail in FIG. 3, the removing device 66 in ring shape is fixed and madestationary by bolt-shaped elements within the screwing head 36. The boltallows for a vertical movement of the crown-shaped screwing ring 56below the removing device 66. An opening 218 is arranged in the surfaceof the crown-shaped screwing ring 56, see FIG. 2, which allows for amovement of the crown-shaped screwing ring 56 relative to the element orbolt 216 fixing the removing device 66. FIG. 3 further shows a thirdtensioning spring 54 by means of which the screwing ring 56 is biasedagainst a remover-tube 64. On the outer circumference at the lower endof the crown-shaped screwing ring 56, the tooth-shaped protrusions 58engaging grooves 86 of the lid 82 as shown in FIGS. 8.1, 8.2,respectively, are shown. As shown in FIG. 3, the tensioning tool 60comprises a centering pin 62, the centering cone 78 of which centers thelid 82 to be engaged by the tensioning tool 60 with respect to theprotrusions 58 of the screwing ring 56 and the grooves 86 in thecircumference of the lid 82, given in FIGS. 8.1 and 8.2, respectively.Accordingly, the tensioning tool 60, with the centering pin 62 andcentering cone 78, along with the linear drive 16 in one embodiment isconsidered a centering unit.

The third tensioning spring 54 allows for a vertical movement of theremover-tube 64 relative to the crown-shaped screwing ring 56. Thesecond tensioning spring 52 allows for a relative movement between thecrown-shaped screwing ring 56 to the screw-support 42. Finally, thetensioning tool 60 is being pretensioned by means of the firsttensioning spring 50 arranged between the axis 44 and the upper planarsurface of the tensioning tool 60.

FIG. 4 shows the decapping system having a plurality of screwing heads.According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the linear guide 14comprises at its lower end the drive 18 allowing for a vertical movementof the linear drive 16 in vertical direction. On the linear drive 16,the screwing head drive 24 is arranged, which, by means of the screwinghead gear 26, simultaneously drives the screwing heads 36 arranged oneby one. At the lower end of the screwing head 36, the crown-shapedscrewing rings 56 are shown, given in greater detail in FIGS. 2 and 3,described above.

At the lower circumference of the crown-shaped screwing rings 56, thetooth-shaped protrusions 58 engaging the grooves 86 of the lids 82 areshown. In the perspective view of FIG. 4, the linear drive 16 comprisesa first micro-switch 68 which is used as a Z-top_stop. By means of thefirst micro-switch 68, a throw-off of the lids 82, previously engaged isinitiated. By means of a second micro-switch 70 Z-bottom_1, the presenceof the upper cartridge surface 32 is detected and the rotational driveof the plurality of screwing heads 36 is activated. By means of thethird micro-switch 72 according to the embodiment given in FIG. 4, thescrewing, i.e. a rotational movement of the crown-shaped screwing rings56 of the respective screwing heads 36 is initiated.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the plurality of screwing headsaccording to FIG. 4, shown there from a lower perspective angle.According to FIG. 5, the linear guide 14 comprises a number of grooves,in which the linear drive 16 apt for movement in vertical direction(Z-direction) is guided. According to FIG. 5, the screwing head drive 24engages by means of the screwing head gear 26, a worm gear 38 meshingwith the respective worm gear 48—shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively—ofeach of the screwing heads 36 according to FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively.By this drive 24, 38, 48, a rotational movement is transmitted to thecrown-shaped screwing rings 56 arranged at the bottom end of thescrewing heads 36. In the perspective view according to FIG. 5, thefirst micro-switch 68 (Z-top_stop), the contact of which initiates theremoval of the lids 82 previously engaged by the crown-shaped screwingring 56, is shown.

FIGS. 6, 6.1 and 7 show the tensioning tool 60 in greater detail whichis arranged within the screwing head 36 shown in more detail in FIGS. 2and 3, respectively. According to FIG. 6, the tensioning tool 60comprises at its bottom end, above the centering cone 78, a holdingprotrusion 76, which in general is an annular extending ring. Thetensioning tool 60 is provided with a plurality of longitudinallyextending slits 80 which impose an elasticity to tongues of thetensioning tool 60.

FIG. 6.1 shows an alternative embodiment of the tensioning tool 60 givenin FIG. 6. According to the embodiment given in greater detail in FIG.6.1, a holding protrusion 76 arranged above a centering cone 78 is givenby an O-ring, made of a resilient rubber material, to present anexample. By means of the O-ring, the lids 82, as best shown in FIGS. 8.1and 8.2, respectively, are engaged by the spring-biased tensioning tool60. The cone area 78 is not slitted by longitudinal slits 80, since theelasticity for engaging the lids 82, as shown in FIGS. 8.1 and 8.2,respectively, is provided by the resiliency or the elasticity of therubber material of which the O-Ring is being made. Thus, according tothe embodiment given in FIG. 6.1, a longitudinal slitting of thetensioning tool 60 is not necessary with this embodiment.

As is best shown in FIG. 7, the tensioning tool 60 is equipped with fourlongitudinally extending slits 80 resulting in four tongues beingseparated from one another. Upon a vertically downward movement of ascrewing head 36 according to the present invention, the centering cone78 provided with an annular extending holding protrusion 76, engages afunnel-shaped cavity 84 of a lid 82 as best shown in FIG. 8.1.

The cross section of the tensioning tool 60 has the shape of a nutallowing an exact guidance of the tensioning tool 60 when pretensionedby tensioning springs 50, 52, as shown in FIG. 3, within the tensioningtool 60 used in the screwing head 36.

FIGS. 8.1 and 8.2, respectively, show lids 82 screwed or unscrewed bythe decapping system 10 according to the present invention. As is bestshown in a cross section according to FIG. 8.1, the lids 82 aresymmetrically concerning an axis 90 and comprise an inner thread 88. Thecontainers, filled to a certain extent with a reagent, have a threadingsurrounding their upper opening, the threading of the container matchingthe pitch of the inner thread 88 of the lid 82. Still further, the lid82 comprises a funnel-shaped cavity 84 which is engaged by the centeringcone 78 of the tensioning tool 60. The respective holding-protrusion ofannular shape, see reference numeral 76, shown in the embodimentsaccording to FIGS. 6 and 6.1, respectively, engages the wall 92,limiting the funnel-shaped cavity 84 in the lid 82. Therefore, thecentering cone 78 is moved into the funnel-shaped cavity 84 of the lid82 until the annular holding protrusion 76 engages an inner protrusion94 on the inner side of the wall 92 of the funnel-shaped cavity 84 ofthe lid 82. Due to the tensioning tool 60 and the crown-shaped screwingring 56 of the screwing head 36 according to the present invention,being spring-loaded and being able to compensate a vertical movement, avertical movement of the lid 82 engaged by the crown-shaped screwingring 56 with respect to the container during rotational movement of thelid 82 relative to the container is compensated for. Thus, no adjustingof the screwing head 36 is necessary. Still further, the screwing head36 can be fixed to the linear guide 14, the tensioning tool 60 and thecrown-shaped screwing ring 56 each being able to compensate for avertical movement of the lid 82. Due to the spring-loaded tensioningtool 60 and the spring-loaded crown-shaped screwing ring 56, a firmcontact upon engagement of the protrusions 58 of the crown-shapedscrewing ring 56 with the grooves 86 on the circumference of the outerwall of lids 82 is maintained.

FIG. 8.2 shows the lid 82 being shaped symmetrically with respect to itsaxis 90. Grooves 86 which are spaced apart from another along thecircumference at the upper rim of the lid 82 are engaged by thetooth-shaped protrusions 58 arranged apart from another in an identicalpitch of the crown-shaped screwing ring 56, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3,respectively.

The operation of the first embodiment of the present invention accordingto FIGS. 1.1 to 8.2 is realized as follows. Upon introduction of acartridge system 28, comprising a number of containers with reagentssealed with the lids 82 according to FIGS. 8.1 and 8.2, respectively,below the screwing heads 36, the presence of the cartridge system 28 isdetected by at least one micro-switch 22, as schematically shown in FIG.1.1 The micro-switch 22 is triggered upon contact with a respective sidewall of the cartridge system 28, only. The presence of the cartridgesystem 28 initiates the lid-unscrewing cycle. The plurality of screwingheads 36 is moved by means of the linear drive 16 in downward direction.Upon contact of the second micro-switch 70 and the upper cartridgesurface 32, the screwing head drive 24 is started, which imposes arotation on each of the crown-shaped screwing rings 56 of each of thescrewing heads 36. Detection of reaching the height 30 of the cartridgesystem 28 triggers the start of the screwing head drive 24. Therefore,the system according to the present invention is able to processcartridge systems 28 of variable heights 30.

The crown-shaped screwing rings 56 of the plurality of screwing heads 36rotate and contact the upper surface 32 of the cartridge system 28, thetensioning tools 60 of the screwing heads 36 engaging by means of theircentering cone 78 the lids 82 within the funnel-shaped cavity 84.Simultaneously, the protrusions 58 provided at the upper circumferenceof the crown-shaped screwing ring 56 engage the grooves 86 of the lid82, as best shown in FIG. 8.1. By means of the third micro-switch 72,the movement of linear drive 16 along the linear guide 14 in downwarddirection is stopped.

In this position, the lids 82 are being unscrewed from respectivecontainers. The pitch of the inner thread 88 upon rotational movement ofthe lid 82 is compensated for due to the spring-loaded arrangement ofthe crown-shaped screwing ring 56, and the tensioning tool 60,respectively.

In case of a non-presence of a lid 82 in one of the three possiblescrewing positions, the crown-shaped screwing ring 56, particularly thecentering cone 78 or a protection pin, contact the upper surface 32 ofthe cartridge system 28. Thus, the spring-biased screwing ring 56compensates for the further vertical movement of the linear drive 16 atthis position. In the case the crown-shaped screwing ring 56,particularly the centering cone 78 or the protection pin, engages a voidspace, i.e. a space of the cartridge system 28 where no container isstored, an intended or unintended vertical downward movement does notdamage components (36, 56, 58), since no contact with other, fixed andstationary components is realized in this case.

Upon unscrewing of the lids 82, the lids 82 unscrewed are engaged by thecrown-shaped screwing rings 56, particularly the protrusions 58 thereofengaging the grooves 86 of the lid 82. The linear drive 16 moves intovertical direction to move the unscrewed lids 82 into a distance abovethe cartridge system 28. The cartridge system 28 is now removed from thesurface 12, the micro-switch, which detects the upper cartridge surface32 of the cartridge system 28 according to the height 30 thereof andwhich initiates the screwing head drive 24, moves into its initialposition, in which the screwing head drive 24 is switched off. Now, thecartridge system 28, the containers of which are being unscrewed, isremoved. The complete removal of the cartridge system 28 out of thedecapping system 10 according to the present invention is detected by afurther micro-switch.

The linear drive 16 is moved by activation of drive 18 further intovertical direction. Upon contact of remover ring 66 with a strippingdevice 40, such as a stripping fork, the lids 82 previously unscrewedfrom the containers are stripped off from the centering cone 78, and theholding protrusion 76, respectively, of the tensioning tool 60. The lids82 are removed by gravity through the opening 34 in the surface 12 ofthe decapping system 10 into the lid container 20 arranged underneath.The upper position of the linear drive 16 is likewise detected by amicro-switch. The upper position of the linear drive 16 constitutes the“start”—and the “reset-position” for a subsequent operation cycle. Thestart/reset-position, i.e. the upper position of the linear drive 16, isreached automatically upon switching on of the decapping system 10. Asshown particularly in FIG. 5, the rotational drive for the screwing ring56 is realized by means of a worm/gear arrangement 38, 48.Alternatively, a belt drive could be used. The linear movement of thelinear drive 16 driven by drive 18 is realized by a threaded spindle.Alternatively, other driving concepts are conceivable as well. Uponmodification of the decapping system 10, the lids 82 being unscrewedfrom the containers in a unscrewing cycle could be placed uponcontainers arranged within a cartridge system 28 having no lid-closure.Thus, the system according to the present invention is usable as wellfor screwing lids 82 or the like onto containers containing a reagent,and vice versa.

FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of the decapping system according tothe present invention. According to the second embodiment given in FIG.9, the decapping system 10 comprises an adapting device 200. Theadapting device is arranged below a guiding passage 201 of the decappingsystem 10. In the inactive position labeled with reference numeral 202of the decapping system 10 according to the present invention, theadapting device 200 is used to compensate for different heights 30 ofdifferent cartridge systems 28 to be processed. By use of the adaptingdevice 200, the processing height of various cartridge systems 28 withdifferent heights 30 are increased.

The additional height/size compensation is labeled in FIG. 9 withreference numeral 206. Depending on the various cartridge systems 28 tobe processed with the decapping system 10 according to the presentinvention, a corresponding number of adapting devices 200 each beingconfigured for different height/size compensations 206 is used. Thedecapping system 10 according to FIG. 9 comprises the linear guide 14for vertical movement of at least one screwing head 36—as shown in thesecond embodiment according to FIG. 9. The screwing head drive 24comprises a belt drive 208 by means of which a rotational movement istransmitted onto the crown-shaped screwing ring 56 of the screwing head36. By means of a positioning element 205, extending into a positioningopening 204 of the cartridge system 28, thereby together forming apositioning arrangement, the presence of a cartridge system 28 to beprocessed is detected (see FIG. 10). Below the crown-shaped screwingring 56 of the screwing head 36 according to the present invention, thestripping device 40, being shaped as a fork-like element, is arranged.The position within a guiding passage 201, the cartridge system 28arranged upon an adapting device 200, is maintained upon processingthereof. Reference numeral 18 depicts a drive which imposes the verticalmovement onto the linear guide 14 onto which at least one screwing head36 is arranged. The crown-shaped screwing ring 56 comprises thetooth-shaped protrusions 58 as given in greater detail in FIGS. 2 and 3,respectively, in the first embodiment of the present invention. Thesurface 12 of the decapping system 10 is provided with an opening 34,through which the lids 82 unscrewed from containers of the respectivecartridge system 28 to be processed, are trashed into the lid-container20 arranged underneath the surface 12 of the decapping system 10.

FIG. 10 shows a cartridge system mounting area of the second embodimentgiven in FIG. 9. According to the detailed perspective view in FIG. 10,the cartridge system 28 is introduced into a guiding passage 201. Thecartridge system 28 is arranged upon the adapting device 200 having aheight compensation indicated by reference numeral 206. By means of theadapting device 200, the upper cartridge surface 32 is moved into thedirection of the crown-shaped screwing ring 56 having a number oftooth-shaped protrusions 58 arranged along its outer circumference. Thecartridge system 28 within the guiding passage 201 is fixed by anactuatable pin-shaped positioning element 205 engaging a positioningopening 204 on the upper cartridge surface 32 of the cartridge system 28to be processed. The full introduction of the cartridge system 28 intothe guiding passage 201 underneath the screwing head 36 is detected bymeans of micro-switches 22, 68, 70 and 72, which further initiate andstop the rotational movement of the crown-shaped screwing rings 56 andthe vertical movement of the screwing heads 36 along the linear guide14.

In FIG. 10, the positioning element 205 does not yet have engaged thepositioning opening 205 on the upper surface 32 of the cartridge system28. In FIG. 10, it is shown that the removing device 66 fits to anopening of the stripping device 40, shaped as a stripping fork. Therotational movement is transmitted to the crown-shaped screwing ring 56of the two screwing heads 36 shown in FIG. 10 by means of the belt drive208, in this embodiment being an alternative to the screwing head gear26 of the first embodiment. The vertical movement of the screwing heads36 is imposed thereupon by the drive 18 driving the linear guide 14 invertical downward or upward direction, initiated by the micro-switches22, 68, 70 and 72, respectively.

FIG. 11 shows the screwing head drive of the second embodiment accordingto FIG. 9 in more detail. The screwing drive for transmitting arotational movement to the crown-shaped screwing ring 56 of the screwinghead 36 comprises the screwing head drive 24 which is provided with abelt drive 208. The belt drive 208 constitutes an alternative to theworm/gear driving arrangement 38, 48 of the first embodiment shown inthe present invention, see FIG. 5. From FIG. 11, it can be derived thatboth screwing heads 36 shown in this figure comprise the longitudinallyslitted tensioning tool 60 for engagement of the funnel-shaped cavity 84of the lid 82, as described in more detail in FIGS. 8.1 and 8.2,respectively.

The crown-shaped screwing ring 56 of the screwing head 36 shown in FIG.11 surrounds the tensioning tool 60 provided with a centering pin 62 andthe previously mentioned centering cone 78 for engagement of the innerprotrusion 94 of the funnel-shaped cavity 84 of the lids 82. The uppersurface of the cartridge system 28 is labeled with reference numeral 32.Reference numeral 58 depicts tooth-shaped protrusions at the lower rimof the screwing head 36 which is spring biased as shown in greaterdetail in FIGS. 12.1 to 12.4.

FIGS. 12.1 to 12.4 each show details of the screwing head for use withthe first and second embodiment of the present invention. The screwinghead shown in FIGS. 12.1 to 12.4, respectively, may be used with bothembodiments of the present invention, i.e. the decapping system 10according to FIGS. 1.1 to 7, and the second embodiment of the presentinvention described hereinafter, i.e. the second embodiment according toFIGS. 9 to 11, respectively. The screwing heads 36 given in greaterdetail in FIGS. 12.1 to 12.4 provide for a more economic embodiment,since the first tensioning spring 50 as shown in FIG. 3 has beenomitted. The tensioning tool 60 according to the embodiment given inFIGS. 12.1 to 12.4 is not spring biased. The distance from the toothedrim or tooth-shaped protrusions 58 of the crown-shaped screwing ring 56to the holding-protrusion 76 according to the embodiments given in FIGS.6 and 6.1, respectively, is fixed. The first tensioning spring 50, whichin the embodiment according to FIG. 3 is assigned to the tensioning tool60, is omitted here.

FIG. 12.1 shows the screwing head 36 comprising a piston 214. The piston214 and the screw-support 42, having a hollow interior, are beingengaged by one another by means of a bolt 216. The bolt 216 moves withina longitudinally slitted aperture 218 provided in the outercircumference of the screw-support 42. Within the screw-support 42, thesecond tensioning spring 52 is arranged. The second tensioning spring 52pretensions the screw-support 42 in longitudinal direction, i.e. inZ-direction. Thus, the crown-shaped screwing ring 56 is spring biasedand allows for compensation of axial movement. Surrounded by thecrown-shaped screwing ring 56 is the tensioning tool 60 in thisembodiment having a protection pin 210. The protection pin 210 protrudesbelow the tooth-shaped protrusions 58 on the downward rim about aprotection distance 212. Thus, by means of the protection pin 210 beingassigned to the tensioning tool 60, the damaging of the crown-shapedscrewing ring 56 is prevented upon contact with an upper cartridgesurface 32 of the cartridge system 28, since the protection pin 210contacts the surface 32 prior to the crown-shaped screwing ring 56contacting it. On the outer circumference of the crown-shaped screwingring 56, the removing device 66 having a ring form, is provided.

According to FIG. 12.1, the screwing head 36 is shown. From FIG. 12.2,it becomes clear that the end portions of the bolt 216 are guided in thevertically oriented, longitudinally slitted aperture 218 on the outercircumference 74 of the screwing head 36. Screw-support 42 isspring-loaded by the second tensioning spring 52, the crown-shapedscrewing ring 56 surrounds the centering cone 78 of the tensioning tool60 provided with the protection pin 210.

FIGS. 12.3 and 12.4, respectively, show the screwing head in alternativeembodiments. According to the embodiment of the screwing head 36 givenin FIG. 12.3, the screwing head 36 comprises the piston 214 and the bolt216 by means of which the outer circumference 74 of the screw support 42and the cylinder portion of the piston 214 thereof are coupled to eachother. The third tensioning spring 54 is provided to reset the screwinghead 36 into its initial position upon throwing off of the lid 82 by arelative movement between the crown-shaped screwing ring 56 relative tothe tensioning tool 60. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 1.1 to 7,the lids 82 unscrewed are removed from the screwing heads 36 by means ofa relative movement between a remover ring or removing device 66relative to the centering pin 62. In the embodiment given in FIGS. 1.1to 7, the decapping system 10 according to the present invention, thelids 82 being unscrewed, is pushed out of engagement of grooves 86 ofthe lid and the tooth-shaped protrusions 58 of the crown-shaped screwingring.

Below the screw-support 42, the longitudinally extending tensioning tool60 is shown. Within the tensioning tool 60 having a centering cone 78,the protection pin 210 is arranged. The protection pin 210 protrudesabout the protection distance 212 below the tooth-shaped protrusions 58of the crown-shaped screwing ring 56. Consequently, by means of theprotection distance 212 upon contact with the cartridge system 28protects the crown-shaped screwing ring 56 against damages when rotated.Due to the protection distance 212, the protection pin 210 contacts thecartridge system 28 arranged below the screwing head 36 prior to thetooth-shaped protrusions 58 at the lower ring of the crown-shapedscrewing ring 56. The tensioning tool 60 is spring-loaded by the secondtensioning spring 52.

On the outer circumference of the crown-shaped screwing ring 56, theremoving device 66 is arranged. In the arrangement given in FIG. 12.3,the protection pin 210 is pressed into the tensioning tool 60spring-loaded by the second tensioning spring 52. According to theembodiments given in FIGS. 12.3 and 12.4, the removing device 66 isintegrated into the crown-shaped screwing ring 56, thus saving fasteningmeans.

FIG. 12.4 shows the screwing head 36 according to FIG. 12.3 turned about90°. From the perspective given in FIG. 12.4, it becomes clear that theend portions of the bolt 216 are guided in the apertures 218 provided inthe outer circumference 74 of the screw support 42 of the screwing head36. The ends of the bolt 216 move within the longitudinally slottedapertures 218 arranged in the outer circumference 74 of the screwsupport 42. The crown-shaped screwing ring 56 is biased by the secondtensioning spring 52. Likewise, the tensioning tool 60 is biased by thethird tensioning spring 54, the protection pin 210 arranged in aprotection distance 212 with respect to the lowering of the toothed,crown-shaped screwing ring 56.

The second embodiment according to the decapping system 10 given ingreater detail in FIGS. 9 to 11 shows a positioning element 205 forengagement of a positioning opening 204 of the cartridge system 28 to beprocessed. Thus, the cartridge system 28 is fixed before the operationcycle is started, providing a safety feature for the operating person.

According to the second embodiment of the present invention given inmore detail in FIGS. 9 to 11, a height compensation 206 is performed bythe adapting device 200. The screwing operation is, upon downwardmovement of the screwing head 36, started always at the same positionupon detection of the presence of a cartridge system 28 to be processedby micro-switches on the guiding passage 201 or at lateral positions.

A cartridge system 28 having a too large, excessive height 30 cannot beprocessed by the decapping system 10 according to FIGS. 9 to 11, sinceit would not fit into the guiding passage 201 of the decapping system 10according to FIGS. 9 to 11. Is the cartridge system 28, however, toolow, the operating cycle is not being initiated, since the cartridgesystem 28 being too low does not contact within the guiding passage 201a micro-switch.

Alternatively, it is conceivable that the lids 82 are not trashed intothe lid container 20 arranged underneath the surface 12 of the decappingsystem 10 according to the present invention, but instead in asubsequent cycle new lids are screwed upon a cartridge system 28 orscrewed upon containers with a cartridge system 28. Instead of amovement of the screwing head 36 in direction to the cartridge system 28to be processed, vice versa the cartridge system 28 may be moved towardsthe screwing heads 36 of the decapping system 10 according to thepresent invention, which in this alternative, however, are mountedstationary. The transport and the removal of the cartridge systems 28 tobe processed is automatically performed by linear drives, as shown inthe accompanying drawings, to realize for a fully automatic processingof a number of cartridge systems 28.

The decapping system 10 according to the embodiments of the presentinvention shows the rotational movements and the sliding movements ofthe crown-shaped screwing rings 56 and the screwing heads 36 beingdetected by means of micro-switches 22, 68, 70 and 72, respectively.Instead of the micro-switches 22, 68, 70, 72, sensors, such as hallsensors, or optical devices such as light barriers or the like could beused as an alternative. The decapping system 10 according to bothembodiments being described above is to be implemented using onescrewing head 36 only, as well this would require less space for thedecapping system 10 for installation thereof.

In view of the above it is to be appreciated that the present inventionin one embodiment provides for a flexible opening of containers, beingfilled with a reagent which allows for a parallel processing ofcontainers and cartridge systems, independent of the number ofcontainers of the cartridge system at a time, independent of the heightand size of the containers containing the reagents, and still furtherindependent on the size and height of the cartridge system.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a decappingdevice is provided which, due to the shape and the arrangement of thescrewing heads, allows for a parallel processing of a number ofcontainers being stored in a cartridge system. Particularly, thecartridge system contains two or more reagents containing containers atrandomized positions within the cartridge system. The decapping deviceaccording to the present invention allows for processing of an entirecartridge system having a selected number of containers in a synchronousmanner within one cycle. The at least one screwing head of the decappingsystem according to an embodiment of the present invention allows forprocessing of a cartridge system having a randomized number ofcontainers in a synchronous way in a single working cycle andparticularly to unscrew all threaded lids to trash the threaded lidswhich are no longer used for various reasons.

Although not limited thereto, a major advantage of the embodiments ofthe present invention is the fact that the decapping system allows for aparallel processing of a cartridge system which either can only have onesingle container or, in the alternative, may have a number of containersto be processed in a parallel way. Still further, it is of nosignificance at which positions the containers with the reagents arearranged within the cartridge system. The at least one screwing head ora plurality of screwing heads according to an embodiment of the presentinvention automatically detect variable sizes, particularly variableheights of the cartridge system and, upon detection thereof, process thecartridge system, independent of the height thereof and independent ofthe order of the reagent containers within the cartridge system.

In an alternative embodiment, a processing of a cartridge system havingdifferent sizes and particularly different heights by means of suitableadapters is realized. The alternative system identifies a cartridgesystem being too small, i.e. having a low height, and does not furtherprocess the cartridge unit previously identified. Still further, theadapting device is handled in an ergonomic way, i.e. the adapting devicecan be fixed by means of a magnetic force. This allows in case ofmalfunction, for instance, the threaded lid somewhere being blockedwithin the system, to move the adapting device first and remove thecassette being processed and/or the threaded lid. By means of adifferent number of adapting devices, cartridge systems of differentheights are processed very easily upon exchange of the adapting device,only. The cartridge system is fixed by a holding arrangement and theuser of the system according to an embodiment of the present inventionis hindered to interrupt the processing of the cartridge systempresently being processed.

Still further, the at least one screwing head in embodiments of thepresent invention is biased by at least one spring element which allowsa tensioning force being exerted on the at least one screwing head andwhich allows for a grip of cartridge systems having threaded lids ofdifferent heights. Still further, the at least one spring biasedscrewing head exert upon processing of the threaded lids a force on thelids to allow for a firm contact between the at least one screwing headand the lid to be processed. The lids unscrewed are being processed bymeans of an annular-shaped stripping element. A stripping device such asa stripping fork or the like, being shaped corresponding to the geometryof the annular stripping member, removes the lids unscrewed from the atleast one screwing head. The lids unscrewed are being stripped by theholding element of the entering pin and are trashed into a containerbeing arranged underneath the cartridge system. This avoids a furthermovement of the screwing head to a trashing position and reducescomplexity thereof.

The screwing head according to an embodiment of the present inventioncomprises a spring biased crown-shaped element similar to a socketwrench which engages an outer toothing of the threaded lid and removessame by rotational movement thereof. The screwing head comprises forcentering purposes relative to the threaded lid a centering pin beingcentrally arranged and which centers the screwing head in afunnel-shaped cavity of the threaded lid and which engages a portion ofthe threaded lid by a snapping movement. Thus, the threaded lid is fixedto the at least one screwing head. The biasing element, such as auniversal ball joint or the like, of the centering pin acts as atensioning tool in radial outward extending direction and compensatesfor manufacturing tolerances of the threaded lid.

Still further, the decapping devices according to an embodiment of thepresent invention comprises a suitable number of screwing heads such as,for example, two or three screwing heads. The screwing heads aresupported by spring elements which allow for the processing of differentsizes and heights of threaded lids and cartridge systems. A non-presenceof threaded lids is compensated for by a rearward movement of the entirespring-mounted screwing head. With the screwing head being pretensioned,it is not necessary to move the screwing head upon a screwing processsynchronously to the pitch of the threading in vertical direction, thescrewing process is performed in a stationary position due to the springbiased embodiment of the screwing head. The centering pin comprises aresilient lid holding device. In an advantageous embodiment, the lidholding device is made as a slitted, biased tensioning tool, such as achuck, or is arranged as an O-ring-spring device. The entire centeringpin including a protection pin is arranged separately within thescrewing heads and is subjected to springs allowing for compensation ofmanufacturing tolerances of the threaded lids. Still further, a secureengagement of the tensioning tool within a recess of the threaded lid isassured.

Within the centering pin, the protection pin is provided which protrudesfrom the tensioning tool, such as a chuck. The protection pin protectsthe tensioning tool of the centering pin against deformation or damagein general, which may occur upon erroneous or intended touching of thecentering pin and the tensioning tool or chuck onto a solid surface,such as the upper surface of the cartridge system upon non-presence of athreaded lid in the respective position.

The fixing of the cartridge system in a certain position is realized bya fixing pin which engages an opening of the cartridge system andtherefore realizes a connection to the cartridge system upon processingthereof. After unscrewing, the lids from the containers of the cartridgesystem, the cartridge system is being released by the fixing pin.Alternatively, the fixing pin may be shaped as a sliding elementcontacting the cartridge system on the outer surface thereof.

The annular-shaped stripping member for trashing the threaded lidsunscrewed from the container is actuatable from the outside of thescrewing head and moves, due to its resiliency, after trashing of thelids automatically back into the starting position. The removal of thelid previously unscrewed is performed by a vertical movement of the atleast one screwing head upon contact between the annular-shapedstripping member and the stationary arranged stripping device, such asshaped as a stripping fork. A movement of the stripping device into theopposite vertical direction is conceivable, the annular-shaped strippingelement being stationary mounted. The trashing of the lids beingunscrewed in the container arranged below the screwing head is activatedafter the cartridge system has been removed from the desk top below thescrewing head.

For processing of a semi-automatic screwing system according to thepresent invention, additional embodiments are conceivable. For example,in one embodiment, a control is realized by the use of micro-switches.The entire cycle and the detection of the presence or non-presence of acartridge system, particular the height and the size thereof, is managedonly by micro-switches. Secondly, in another embodiment, a control viasoftware implementation is conceivable. Rotational speeds, moving paths,velocities etc. are configured within a software system such as, forexample, a controller 220 (FIG. 1.2).

In another embodiment, an optical device 222 (FIG. 1.2) provides fordetection of the level of the lid container 20. In one embodiment, theoptical device 222 uses a conventional LED technique which saves the useof an additional display in the front portion of the system andfacilitates the detection of the fill level of the container 20 (i.e.,trash-bin) arranged below the screwing heads 36. In another embodiment,a front portion of the lid container 20 is made of a transparentmaterial, to allow for a quick and easy detection of the fill level ofthe lid container. Further, in another embodiment, the optical device222 indicates the readiness of the device 10 for operation, also savingan additional display in the front portion of the system.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described inlanguage more or less specific as to structural and methodical features.It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited tothe specific features shown and described, since the means hereindisclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.The invention is therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modificationswithin the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpretedin accordance with the doctrine of equivalents. Any modification of thepresent invention that comes within the spirit and scope of thefollowing claims should be considered part of the present invention.

1. Method for unscrewing lids from a cartridge system or from containersstored at randomized positions within the cartridge system comprising:loading the cartridge system onto a surface arranged below a pluralityof screwing heads; providing the plurality of screwing heads adjacent anupper surface of the cartridge system; processing the cartridge systemin one operating cycle which unscrews lids during an unscrewingoperation; and moving lids unscrewed from the cartridge system or thecontainers stored within the cartridge system after processing thereofinto a lid container, arranged underneath the surface on which thecartridge system is loaded.
 2. Method according to claim 1, wherein arandomized number of containers arranged within the cartridge system isprocessed simultaneously.
 3. Method according to claim 1, wherein theentire loaded cartridge system is processed simultaneously in oneunscrewing process cycle.
 4. Method according to claim 1, furthercomprising detecting a height of the cartridge system, and dependent onthe height of the cartridge system which has been detected, performing apredetermined vertical movement in a downward direction of the pluralityof screwing heads.
 5. Method according to claim 1, wherein an adaptingdevice is fixed magnetically onto the surface of the decapping system.6. Method according to claim 1, further comprising fixing the cartridgesystem within a guiding passage using a pin-shaped positioning elementwhich engages a positioning opening of the cartridge system, anddetecting the presence of the cartridge system by micro-switches orsensors.
 7. Method according to claim 1, further comprising compensatingfor different screwing heights of lids or non-presence of lids, andclosing containers containing a reagent or closing the cartridge systemby a spring-loaded retracting movement of the screwing heads.
 8. Methodaccording to claim 1, wherein during the unscrewing operation, themethod further comprising using crown-shaped screwing rings of each ofthe screwing heads, and keeping the screwing head in a predeterminedposition which remains unchanged during the unscrewing operation. 9.Method according to claim 1, further comprising protecting againstdamage or deformation a tensioning tool and a centering pin of thescrewing head upon intended or unintended contact of a centering pinand/or the tensioning tool with a solid surface.
 10. Method according toclaim 1, further comprising providing an annular-shaped removing devicefor removal of unscrewed lids which is actuatable from outside withrespect to the screwing head and automatically moving the removingdevice to an inactive position upon removal of an unscrewed lid. 11.Method according to claim 10, further comprising contacting the removingdevice with a stationary stripping device upon vertical movement of theplurality of screwing heads in an upward direction.
 12. Method accordingto claim 10, further comprising stripping the unscrewed lid with astationary ring provided with the screwing head upon vertical movementof the stripping device in downward direction.
 13. Method according toclaim 1, further comprising controlling the processing of the cartridgesystem by micro-switches detecting a presence or non-presence of thecartridge system to be processed, detecting the height of the cartridgesystem to be processed and further detecting movement of the screwingheads relative to the surface of the cartridge system to be processed.14. Method according to claim 1, further comprising controllingrotational speeds, horizontal or vertical moving paths velocities anderror detection by software.
 15. Method according to claim 1, furthercomprises using to a lighting system arranged within the lid containerto indicate operability of the decapping system, the lid containerhaving a transparent front.
 16. Method according to claim 1, wherein theposition of the lid container corresponds to an unscrewing position ofthe lids from the cartridge system by at least one screwing head of thedecapping system.
 17. Method according to claim 1 wherein providing theplurality of screwing heads adjacent an upper surface of the cartridgesystem is accomplished by moving the plurality of screwing heads towardsthe upper surface of the cartridge system.
 18. Method according to claim1 wherein providing the plurality of screwing heads adjacent an uppersurface of the cartridge system is accomplished by moving the cartridgesystem loaded towards the plurality of screwing heads.